A CHARITY single featuring lyrics written by a young Barnsley boy who died in 2018 is to be released to raise vital funds for two local organisations.
Joshua Barton, ten, suffered a fatal asthma attack at Hesley Wood Scout Activity Centre when he was walking to the camp’s closing ceremony.
Since his death, more than £27,000 has been raised in his memory for two asthma charities.
His dad, 49-year-old John, from Monk Bretton, described his son as a ‘creative’ and outgoing child.
He told the Chronicle: “He was a really outgoing kid, he was very creative.
“He used to make a lot of origami animals and ninja stars. He always had a bit of a creative touch. He was full of fun.
“Josh was ill through most of his life with his asthma and eczema and various things but he always shrugged it off. He was very resilient.”
Just days after his son’s death, John found a piece of paper with lyrics that Josh had written and last year decided he wanted to bring his words to life.
That’s when he sought help from his friend Ryan Dooley, a member of the band All The Young.
John added: “I was looking through his toys and his games just a couple of days after he passed away and there were these song lyrics that I’d never seen before.
“He must have written them and then just hidden them away.
“I sat on it for a little while and about a year ago I pulled it out and decided that was the time I wanted to do something with it.
“I approached Ryan from All The Young and he was up for the challenge.
“I didn’t expect the song we’ve got, it’s just beyond all my expectations.”
John is hoping it will be cement his son’s legacy - and he’s hoping he’ll no longer be known as the boy who died at scout camp.
He added: “I’ve got mixed emotions.But I wanted to get away from Josh being known in Barnsley as the boy who died at scout camp.
“I want him to be known for more than that, because he was more than that.
“It’s about bringing his words to life and showing people just how creative he was.
“It’s good to take a positive out of what’s been a horrible, horrible time.
“The key word really is ‘legacy’, we want to leave one for him.”
The song, Sorry, will be released on December 8 on the Bandcamp music platform for £1.50 plus VAT.
All the profits will be going to two local charities, The Christmas Toy Appeal led by barber Tony Batty and the Base71 Youth Zone.
John says he can’t think of two more worthy causes.
He added: “Every year he’d always donate heavily to the church charity at the school he was at.
“For a ten-year-old, he was just a really caring kid.
“After he passed away I carried it on with my mum so it’s always stuck in my mind.
“We always donate to the older aged kids because it’s just basic things like teenagers asking for pyjamas.
“It broke my heart.
“That’s why we’ve chosen that charity.
“Then with Base71 we chose that because it’s going to benefit the more underprivileged children of Barnsley.”
Tony has thanked John for his support and admits that although the appeal started slowly, donations are now picking up.
He said: “We give all the presents to families and children who might be struggling.
“It’s heartbreaking but really nice at the same time,
“We’ve got a Santa this year so some children will be able to get their presents from him at Base 71.
“It’s great that John’s done this - it really is a big help.”
The donation drive is set to run until December 18 and there are drop-off points across the borough.
